asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will outline the arrangements agreed between her Department and the Department of Health as a means of helping those families whose income has been seriously reduced arising from the implementation of the social welfare equality legislation; the instructions which have been issued to social and community welfare officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Equality Legislation.
114.
Discussions were held between the Departments concerned and the health boards regarding the provision of additional assistance to married couples who are dependent on social welfare payments and who may experience difficulties in meeting regular financial committments such as rent or mortgage payments following the introduction of the equality provisions. Arising from these discussions and recent developments in regard to the equality measures the question as to how this additional assistance might best be provided is at present being urgently considered in the Department.